COUNCILLORS have objected to plans for four cottages and four apartments off Witham High Street.

Richard J Baker submitted a planning application to Braintree Council for the flats and apartments to be built behind Newland Street.

Parking, access and alterations to the patio of the Spread Eagle Pub could also be included in the plans.

Witham Town Councillors were concerned there is poor access to the site, and there would be a loss of parking for the pub.

They have recommended refusal of planning permission on the grounds of the site being over-developed and poor access onto Maldon Road.

Witham councillor Michael Lager said: "In principle we would be keen to see brownfield sites developed but with regards to this particular site we felt the scheme was too ambitious for the size of the site available and parking and access would be below par."

In a report to Braintree Council, Richard Baker said: "The site can be described as backland development without direct frontage to the highway.

"The portion of the site proposed in this development has an existing single storey storage building which is in a state of disrepair and no longer used by the pub, and is proposed to be demolished as part of this application.

"The provision of car parking on the basis of one space per dwelling is considered more than adequate having regard to the nature of the proposed user and the proximity of the site to local services and public transport links.

"On street parking will therefore not be exacerbated by the proposals. Secure cycle parking is also being provided for the four flats and sufficient car parking remains for the pub."

The Spread Eagle pub was contacted but did not wish to comment.